Denis Godla (born 4 April 1995) is a Slovak professional ice hockey goaltender who currently playing for HC Slovan Bratislava of the Slovak Extraliga.
Godla was Slovakia's starting goaltender at the 2015 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships where he led the team to a bronze medal, also being named in the tournament's All-Star team, the tournament's best goaltender, and overall tournament MVP. He won the 2018 Spengler Cup with KalPa
Godla was called up for four games during the 2014-15 KHL season with HC Slovan Bratislava. He struggled during his time there, posting a 0âÂÂ3âÂÂ0 record with a .839 save percentage and a 5.17 goals against average.
On September 28, 2015 Godla signed a one-year contract with Kokkolan Hermes of the Finnish Mestis league.
Godla was first chosen to represent the Slovakia at the 2013 IIHF World U18 Championships. His first game internationally was against Team Canada, where he let in four goals on 35 shots in a 4âÂÂ1 loss. Godla would suit up twice more in the tournament, a 4âÂÂ1 loss to Switzerland and a 6âÂÂ3 loss to Germany, where he was pulled in favour of Dávid OkoliÃÂaný.
Godla went on to represent Slovakia again at the 2015 World Junior Ice Hockey Championship. The Slovaks got off to a rough start, losing 8âÂÂ0 to the powerhouse Canadians, with Godla once again being pulled for OkoliÃÂaný. The following day Godla picked up his first international win in a 2âÂÂ1 upset of defending champion Finland. Godla continued to impress, making 41 saves in a 3âÂÂ0 loss to the Americans, followed by 28 saves in a 5âÂÂ2 victory against Germany. Godla's performance was enough to secure Slovakia a 3rd-place finish in Group A, and a spot in the playoff round. In the Quarterfinals Godla picked up his first shutout in international play in a 3âÂÂ0 over the Czech Republic. The Semi-Finals saw a 5âÂÂ1 loss to the Canadians, giving them a berth in the bronze medal game against Sweden. Godla came up big once again, making 26 saves in a 4âÂÂ2 victory to capture the bronze.
His performance earned Godla tournament MVP, a spot on the tournament All-Star team, and the IIHF best goaltender award.